By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continued from last week
…. the society at large.
Myth: Depression is rare: Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect anybody.
Stigma: People with depression are not capable: Depression does not define a person’s abilities or potential, with adequate treatment depressive patient can function optimally in their area of duties.
Myth: Depression is only treated with medication: Treatment options include therapy, lifestyle changes, and other forms of treatments.
Stigma: People with depression are a burden: Support and understanding can help alleviate stigma experienced by a depressive patient.
Myth: Depression is a personal failing: Depression is a treatable condition.
Reducing stigma: Education, awareness, and empathy can help to reduce the stigma often experienced by the depressive patient.
Prevention
Awareness: Educate people about depression, its symptoms, and treatment options
Reduce Stigma: Encourage open conversations about mental health
Healthy habits: Regular exercise, balanced diet, and sufficient sleep
Strong relationships: Foster supportive relationships with family and friends
Manage stress: Teach stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness or meditation
Access to mental health services: Increase access to mental health professionals and services
Early intervention: Identify and treat depression early to prevent long-term consequences
Support groups: Join support groups to connect with others who have experienced depression
Self-Care: Encourage self-care practices like journaling or creative activities
Community-based initiatives: Implement community-based initiatives to promote mental health
Consequences
Impaired relationships: Depression can strain relationships with family and friends
Reduced productivity: Depression can impact work or school performance
Increased Risk of Suicide: Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide
Physical Health Problems: Depression can increase the risk of chronic diseases
Social isolation: Depression can lead to social withdrawal and isolation
Substance abuse: Depression can increase the risk of substance abuse
Economic burden: Depression can result in significant economic costs.
Reduced quality of life: Depression can impact overall quality of life
Increased risk of other mental health conditions: Depression can increase the risk of other mental health conditions
Chronic depression: Untreated depression can become chronic
Management
Medical treatments: Antidepressant medications can help manage symptoms of severe depressive symptoms.
Therapeutic interventions: Therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals manage depression (i.e. CBT can help individuals change negative thought patterns).
Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, healthy diet, and sufficient sleep can help manage symptoms
Building a support network: Surrounding oneself with supportive people can help manage depression
Self-Care practices: Engaging in self-care activities like journaling or creative pursuits can help manage symptoms
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress
Professional help: Seeking help from mental health professionals is crucial for managing depression
Support groups: Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and connection (i.e. connecting with others who experience depression can be helpful).
Education and awareness: Educating oneself about depression can help manage symptoms
Treatment adherence: Adhering to treatment plans can help manage symptoms and prevent relapse.
Alternative therapies: Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can be beneficial.
Family therapy: Family support and education can aid in recovery.
Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy can help individuals understand underlying issues.
Combination therapy: Combining medications and therapy can be effective.
Personalized treatment: Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual’s needs as recommended by psychiatrists or other mental health professionals.
Self-care and coping strategies
Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood.
Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress.
Social support: Connecting with loved ones can provide emotional support.
Healthy sleep: Prioritizing sleep can improve mood and energy.
Healthy Eating: A balanced diet can support mental health.
Relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce stress.
Engaging in activities: Participating in enjoyable activities can improve mood.
Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic.
Professional help: Recognizing when to seek help is crucial.
Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion can help individuals be kinder to themselves by reducing any form of negative thinking patterns.
Support systems for People Living with Depressive Illness
Family support: Family members can provide emotional support.
Friend Support: Friends can offer companionship and understanding.
Support groups: Connecting with others who experience depression can be helpful.
Online Communities: Online forums and communities can provide support.
Professional support: Mental health professionals can provide guidance and treatment.
Hotlines: Crisis hotlines can offer immediate support for immediate intervention.
Local resources: Local mental health resources can provide support and guidance.
Peer support: Peer support specialists can offer unique understanding and support.
Community Involvement: Engaging in community activities can provide a sense of belonging to patient living with depressive illness.
Support network: Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can aid in recovery.
When to seek help by Individual Living with Depressive Illness
Persistent symptoms: If symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Interfering with daily life: If depression affects daily life, relationships, or work/school performance etc.
Suicidal thoughts: If experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, seek immediate help.
Increased substance use: If using substances to cope with depression, seek professional help.
Changes in mood: If mood changes are severe, persistent, or unpredictable.
Loss of interest: If losing interest in activities, hobbies, or social interactions.
Changes in sleep or appetite: If sleep or appetite changes are severe or persistent.
Difficulty concentrating: If depression affects concentration, memory, or decision-making.
Physical symptoms: If experiencing persistent physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems.
Feeling overwhelmed: If feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with daily life.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2023). Diagnostic and statistical manual on mental disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Available from: http:/www.psychiatry.org/prychiatry/practice/dsm. Retrieved 2nd August 2025.
Aniebue, P. N., Onyema, G. O. (2008). Prevalence of depressive symptoms among Nigerian medical undergraduates. Trop. Doct., 38:157-158.
World Health Organization (WHO, 2020). Factsheet on depression, Geneva. Available from: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/factsheets/detail/depression. Retrieved 5th August 2025.
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Director, Clinical Psychology, LUTH (Retired) & CEO/Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State.
+234 803 402 4457
